Question

The effective pressure subjected to seepage pressure is given by _______

(a) σ’=zγsat*izγw

(b) σ’=zγ’*izγw

(c) σ’=zγ’±izγw

(d) σ’=zγ’/izγw

The question was posed to me in an online interview.

My question is based upon Seepage Pressure and Upward Flow in section Seepage Analysis of Geotechnical Engineering I

Answer 1

The correct option is (c) σ’=zγ’±izγw

For explanation I would say: Depending on the direction of flow, the vertical effective pressure is increased or desreased. The effective pressure subjected to seepage pressure is given by,

σ’=zγ’± ps = zγ’±izγw.